Councillors back Farleigh Farms’ innovative rural future
Farleigh Farms founder Missy Duckworth with Sunshine Coast Councillor, Joe Natoli.
Sunshine Coast Councillors Joe Natoli and Christian Dickson recently visited Farleigh Farms to gain a firsthand understanding of the farm's vision for the future and the role innovative rural enterprises can play in the region.
During the visit, the councillors toured the property alongside SilvoHarvest by Farleigh Farms founder Missy Duckworth and Fruit Tree Cottage owner, Heidi West-Newman, discussing both the opportunities and challenges facing diversified farming operations. Discussions focused on plans to further develop SilvoHarvest by Farleigh Farms as an agritourism destination, living classroom and community hub.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase how diversified farming models can deliver a range of social, educational, environmental and economic benefits for the wider community, while also demonstrating the importance of supporting innovative approaches to agriculture.
The proposed re-zoning of Farleigh Farms from rural to residential was also discussed during the visit, with both councillors expressing their support after experiencing firsthand the work being undertaken on the farm.
Missy Duckworth said the visit was an important opportunity to share the long-term vision for the property.
"We are so grateful that Joe and Christian have taken the time to visit Farleigh Farms, listen to our story, and gain an understanding of our vision and plans for the future," Ms Duckworth said.
"We truly appreciate the opportunity to share what we're working towards and to discuss the important role that farms like ours can play in our community."
Ms Duckworth said it was particularly meaningful to see the councillors actively contribute to the farm during their visit.
"Joe and Christian even got their hands dirty and helped us plant our next lot of mandarin trees, which was really special because they can bring their families back in a few years to pick fruit from the tree they planted," she said.
"It was wonderful to have our local councillors contribute to the future of the farm in such a meaningful way."
The visit highlighted the growing interest in agritourism and diversified farming enterprises as a means of strengthening rural communities while creating new educational, environmental and economic opportunities across the Sunshine Coast.
Community encouraged to show support
Farleigh Farms is encouraging community members who value the farm and its future to contact all Sunshine Coast Councillors, including the Mayor, to express their support for the farm remaining in rural production and continuing to operate as a diversified farming enterprise.
Supporters are being invited to share what Farleigh Farms means to them and explain why they believe the farm should not be forcibly re-zoned to residential. Community members are encouraged to highlight the importance of preserving productive agricultural land and the role Farleigh Farms plays as a working farm, an agritourism destination, living classroom and community hub.
Missy Duckworth said community voices would play an important role in demonstrating the broader social, educational and environmental value of the farm.
"We encourage anyone who has visited, purchased from, learned from, or simply supports what we're trying to achieve at Farleigh Farms to take a few moments to write to the Mayor and Councillors," Ms Duckworth said.
"Your personal stories about what the farm means to you and why you believe it should remain rural can make a real difference. Farleigh Farms is more than just a farm - it's a place where people connect with agriculture, nature and one another."
Community members wishing to show their support are encouraged to email all Sunshine Coast Councillors and the Mayor, outlining why they believe Farleigh Farms should be allowed to continue operating and evolving as an innovative rural enterprise for future generations.